November's status report has been posted. https://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former- ... index.html

The difficulty in obtaining an Alemite grease gun for using hard grease to lubricate the rods is well-known.

We were able to acquire a manual version and gave it to expert machinist Lavern. The result, twins!

Those are very nice. Would your organization consider making and selling copies?

Howard P.

The builder is one of our volunteers and we are keeping him busy trying to return 557 to operation. To clarify, the one on the left is original, the one on the right is new.

As another year comes to an end, it's time to reflect on where we have been, where we are, and where we are going.

Then and now, summer of 2014 and October, 2022.

The next major milestone is projected for the first quarter of 2023, when the installation of tubes and flues is projected to begin followed by hydro and possibly steam tests by the end of the year.

I'll be waiting with bells on !!!!

The December, 2022 status report has been posted to https://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former- ... index.html.

Trial fitting the valve crosshead.

The January, 2023, status report has been posted at https://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former- ... index.html

We were unable to find a local machine shop which could grind the badly pitted piston rods with the pistons in place. As shown in the photos, the volunteer shop crew again stretched our equipment and ingenuity to the max and got it done. They set up the rod and 19 inch diameter piston on our 12 inch swing, WWII vintage, Lodge and Shipley lathe where the rods were turned and roller burnished in lieu of grinding.

I had an older version of that Loose and Shaky in the Savannah shop - good lathe and very adaptable. Thanks for the stream of great news.

Never doubt the ingenuity of the people of Alaska when it comes to making do. If it's possible to make something work regardless of what it was originally designed to do they'll find a way to do it. My oldest brother was stationed at Anchorage for about 6 years in his Air Force service. He literally saw stuff that made him go no freaking way. This from a man who literally rebuilt a Nissan 4 banger engine in his barracks room with nothing more than a cheap set of wrenches a torque wrench and flexible hone after his engine snapped the timing belt and smacked the valves.

machinery is great, but it's the talented hands that make it happen.

The most recent monthly status report is posted at https://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former- ... index.html

In addition to turning wrenches and making parts, preservation requires money and public support. One of our many forms of community outreach since 557's overhaul began is a presence at the "Great Alaskan Train Show," an event in its 30th year where model railroad clubs display several portable layouts in the Alaska Railroad depot for eight days during Anchorage's "Fur Rendezvous" winter carnival. We only realize a thousand dollars or so from donations and sales of gift shop merchandise, but more important has been the contacts we have made with the general public and with firms who later became in-kind donors. After a two-year COVID hiatus we are glad to be back.

Bravo, to all of you involved. Regards, John.

Game on!

The installation of tubes and flues is a major accomplishment and milestone in returning 557 to operation. Our thanks goes to the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust for a $36,000 grant, the Atwood Foundation for a $20,000 grant, Alaska Airlines for air travel for three boiler makers from the Lower 48 and the Valley Hotel in Palmer, AK for lodging for the them while they are in Alaska. It also goes to the team of volunteers who have been laboring for the past ten years and specifically during the last year in doing hundreds of tasks to prepare the boiler to receive its new tubes and flues and to the hundreds or individual and business contributors who have brought us to this point.

Fantastic News! Best to all as you continue the work.........mld